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Sen. Graham shares how to
make government work for you

October
9,
2009 -- Sen.
Bob Graham joined Mayor Willie Brown at the Downtown Campus Oct. 8 to
discuss how citizens, particularly young people, can be active in politics
rather than spectators.

Sen. Bob Graham (left) talks with Mayor Willie Brown (right).

A full house attended the "Conversation with Sen. Bob Graham" event
where the former Florida Governor and Senator shared how ordinary people
can influence public policy.

Motivation, Graham said, is a key barrier to
people interacting with government. "Many people have the idea that
'you can't fight city hall so don't even make the effort,'" Graham said.
He cited Candace Lightner, the founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving,
as an inspiring role model. "Candace is a tremendous example of a person
who didn't say 'I can't fight city hall.' Her impact became ingrained in
the values and institutions of America and we are all the beneficiaries of
that."

Graham tells the stories of Americans such as Lightner in his
new book, "America, the Owner's Manual: Making Government Work For You." The
book provides a roadmap for how to become an effective citizen advocate.

Graham also discussed the need for a new approach to civics education in
high schools and Universities. "The way civics is taught has morphed
into what I call 'spectator civics,'" Graham said, comparing today's
civics classes to a music appreciation course where you learn about the composer
and their music but not how to play a musical instrument.

Throughout his
public service career, Graham has been passionate about preparing a new generation
of active citizens and since retiring in 2005 has turned his attention to
training college students in advocacy and preparing them for leadership roles.

"With
education we can be the people who turn the tide of declining citizenship
in America," Graham said. "Education has the capacity to energize
our people, to prepare them with the values and skills to be the next generation
of Mayor Browns."